Find the Best Online Colleges for You
Over the years, distance learning stands on the fringe of formal education. Working professionals are mostly registered in nonprofit institutions, or when available, taking correspondence classes from several colleges that provide that option. Most of the students are over 30 years old, married and looking for career-focused credentials ("The Home Study Inheritance," Lambert, 2000). The growth of broadband and mobile internet technologies is rapidly opening up distance learning to a larger post-school student population. Colleges and universities of all kinds are beginning to add online classes to their curriculum, followed soon by full degree programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The average distance of the learner becomes younger, more diverse, and motivated by the reach of higher education and career goals. In the fall of 2002, an estimated 578,000 students enrolled in at least one online class. Ten years later, the number reached seven million ("Grade Change: Tracking Online Education in the United States - 2013," Sloan-C, 2013). With so many online degree options now available, finding the best online college can be a tough task. What makes a great online college? How are online colleges different today and why? Which one is right for you? The following article addresses these questions and sees higher education institutions continuing to improve standards in terms of online education.
Which College Types Offer Online Courses?
Once a landscape is dominated by profit, hundreds of colleges, state universities, private non-profit agencies and faith-based institutions have developed extensive online catalogs. Academic options range from introductory certificates and associate degrees to professional and doctoral degrees. Let's see how this type of institutional comparison, and the key benefits they bring to online learners.
Community Colleges
The benefits of online learning: Diversity and cost. This two-year school offers a variety of academic options, with many students falling into one of three categories:
(1) those who wish to explore higher education at the most basic level,
(2) those seeking a cost-effective way of getting credit before moving to a four-year school, and
(3) those who wish to earn a career-focused degree or degree. This diverse student body requires a choice of classes and a more diverse selection of modes. In many cases, this means more online courses and degree programs are available for students. And because of that college, the cost remains relatively low compared to the university.
- Colleges and Universities
The benefits of online learning: The breadth of the program, support, cost. The most popular post-secondary option in the US, public universities has the largest student population and is usually the broadest academic option. They also have extensive human and technological resources to facilitate learning at various levels and in different modes of learning. Therefore, many state universities have more online learning options - ranging from 100-degree introductory programs to doctoral degrees. Near-24/7 technical support and other resources also make it easier for online students to get help when needed. And while more expensive than their community college counterparts, online course fees or degree programs often run lower than in private institutions.
- Private, Non-profit Institutions
Benefits of online learning: Personal attention, specialization, academic rigor. Many non-profit private institutions offer a more personalized academic experience to students, even while studying online. For some colleges, lesson plans revolve around certain beliefs or focus, allowing students to interact with professors and colleagues with the same goals or goals. For other colleges, academic rigor is at the center of attention. Universities like Harvard and MIT have world-class online degree programs that rival their campus offerings.
- Private, For-profit university
The benefits of online learning: Experience, support. Private for-profit has experience on their side. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students enroll in their programs to seek certificates or degrees. Many of these schools have proven systems and support processes designed to help online learners first adjust to virtual classes. They can, however, become more expensive than other distance learning options. Before enrolling in a private college or university, make sure the price point is right for you, and that institution has the right accreditation.
Is College Online or Degree Program Right for You?
Looks like everyone is taking online classes now, but should they? Read the following questions before enrolling (or even considering) a distance learning program. If you answered "yes" at least six, online education might be a good move.
- Do you have access to a computer and an internet connection?
- Can you work independently in a little direction?
- Are you comfortable with simple technology, including email and word processing?
- Are you motivated to succeed?
- Do you have solid communication skills, especially in writing?
- Do you have a high school or GED certificate?
- Are you comfortable participating in online discussions?
- Can you work on the computer several hours per day?
So What's The Best Online College?
Simply put, the best online colleges depend on the students. Each learner has a unique set of desires and needs that define his ideal academic environment. A student looking for a cost-effective introduction to online learning may find college choices for the community. Conversely, one with world-class distance courses at the doctoral level may feel the best private university to be the best option. It's all about perspective.
And here is a list of the best Online Colleges:
� Fort Hays State University
� Siena Heights University
� Northern Arizona University
� University of Illinois at Springfield
� East Carolina University
� Iowa State University
� Saint Leo University
� Dickinson State University
� Southwestern College
� University of Alaska Fairbanks
Comments
Post a Comment